With their brilliant plumage and stunning wings, it’s no wonder birds are popular muses for creatives around the world. Artist and avid bird lover Deanna Maree spent 100 days creating 100 paintings of different birds. She captured their similarities in gouache paint on wood panels.
“I have always been attracted to birds, and I love painting them because there is so much variety in the bird world,” says Deanna. "I had so much fun making each bird come alive in the wood, I love the tree/bird connection..." Since the artist is from Australia, she spent the first 37 days of the project focusing on photographing the birds of her home country Portraits of birds such as Gurfinches, Parrots and Mistletoe. Deanna has since expanded her painting projects to include species from around the world, including many endangered species.
Each colorful portrait shows a birds head in exquisite detail. Maree uses gouache paint to create vibrant feather patterns and the sheen of the beak. Additionally, by placing the birds in the center of these wood pieces, they are framed by mesmerizing growth rings, drawing the viewers attention to each birds expressive face. "My favorite part of the process is capturing the uniqueness of the bird, but its also the most challenging part," she admits. "Only after the eyes are complete does the bird seem to truly come to life."
Australian artist Deanna Maree spent 100 days painting 100 species of birds.
She renders her personality on thin wooden panels with gouache paint.
Each colorful portrait seems to capture the birds unique personality.
